This is a zine dedicated to crust,d-beat, sludge, harsh noise + related genres, traditional doom metal, gothic metal, thrash/death metal, first wave black metal,noise rock, hardcore, traditional thrash/speed metal, in dustrial metal, power/heavy/progressive metal and alternative metal, also looking for other writers into these genres, due to the fact I cant review 15 promos a day by myself, for more info contact hatredmeanswar@yahoo.com Will return one of these days, new writers get in contact.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Battalions Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Formed in 2010 in the city of Kingston upon Hull, UK. A bunch of friends wanting to make heavy, riff infused metal. A few lineup changes down the line and Battalions are stronger than ever, currently finishing up writing for our 2nd album due for release with Black Bow Records later in 2017.

2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings?

Heavy sludge, with a nod towards blues, stoner & classic rock.

3.This is the first release since 2012, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

Since 2012's 'Warnings Have Being Issued', Battalions went through various lineup changes, finally settling on the solid 5 piece we have now. In this time, we wrote a brand new set and got used to playing and performing together. In 2015, we finally had a set of songs we wanted to take the band forward, and booked in with Skyhammer Studios in Cheshire to record the debut album 'Nothing to Lose'. Since self-releasing this in January 2016, Battalions have worked with renewed vigour to write a new album and are heading to Skyhammer Studios once more, to record the follow up slated for release through Black Bow Records later in 2017.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Phil's lyrics deal with many different themes, including the state of modern politics, despair at the human condition. Not everything is doom and gloom though, with more than a few songs portraying the tongue in cheek side of the band, showcasing how we still know how to have fun within a heavy band. Notably, songs about Warhammer 40k, drinking and having a good time.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Battalions'?

When we started the band, we wanted something conveying the big, heavy sound we were going for and someone came up with the thought 'what would a battalion of men marching towards you sound like?'. From there, the name stuck and we've used it ever since.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Over the 7 years of being a band, we have had the honour of playing with some great bands from all over the world. Ones that stand out for us are supporting the likes of The Ocean, Sworn Enemy, Conan, Church of Misery. As well as playing a local festival to us every year since it's inception in Humber Street Sesh, which has consistently been one of the best gigs of the year for us every time we have been lucky enough to be asked back to play. As for stage performance, we just have fun doing what we do, usually big smiles to accompany the big riffs!

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We have just confirmed two tours for the coming months, along with recording the follow up to 'Nothing to Lose', we will be having a very busy year indeed.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of sludge metal?

The feedback we have received has been extremely positive, we've not had a bad review yet! Overall we have made new fans the world over when we first released 'Nothing to Lose' last year, with even Mr Blasko (Cryptic Slaughter, Ozzy Osbourne,Rob Zombie, Zakk Sabbath) finding out about the album and giving us a mention when he featured on Jamie Jasta's (Hatebreed) podcast.

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

Current other projects we're involved in are:

Pete - Face Towards Enemy https://facetowardsenemy .bandcamp.com/

Mark - Mavet https://mavet.bandcamp.com/

Dennett - Mastiff https://mastiffhchc.ba ndcamp.com/

Phil - Sex Injuries https://soundcloud.co m/sex-injuries

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Pushing ourselves to create better songs whilst still keeping the ethos of the band in tact. There are more than a few surprises in the songs on the new album, which without giving too much away, show a desire to expand the influence of styles within the band.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Originally, the big influences were Iron Monkey, St Vitus, Church of Misery, Clutch, Scissorfight, Black Sabbath. Over the years more influences have crept in, with nods to Red Fang, Thin Lizzy, Eyehategod. Outside of this, we all have varied musical tastes, with genres from classic rock, EDM, hip-hop, black metal, thrash metal, punk, hardcore, jazz and blues all in our respective playlists.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

We're all very involved in music, so outside of that, it's the usual interests in movies, reading, hitting the gym etc. As a band, our favourite movie is the New Zealand comedy 'What We do in the Shadows', which we watched during the recording of the last album and still quote heavily to each other even now. This, along with quoting 'Carry On' movies is a staple in the Battalions camp!

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for getting in touch and asking us these questions, many thanks to all our fans and to anyone who has ever said a kind word about Battalions, we love you all!